The Filmmaker's Eye learning (and breaking) the rules of cinematic composition #9780240812175 is the only book that combines conceptual and practical instruction on creating polished and eloquent images for film and video with the technical know-how to achieve them.

Loaded with hundreds of full-color examples, "The Filmmaker's Eye" is a focused, easy-to-reference guide that shows you how to become a strong visual storyteller through smart, effective choices for your shots. This book has struck a chord worldwide and is being translated into several languages

After a short introduction to basic principles, a variety of shots are deconstructed in the following format:

Why It Works: an introduction to a particular type of shot

How It Works: callouts point out exactly how the shot works the way it does--the visual rules and technical aspects in action

Technical Considerations: the equipment and techniques needed to get the shot.

Breaking the Rules: examples where the "rules" are brilliant subverted

Make smart visual choices with this quick, focused, and visual guide to cinematic composition.

Shows you how to master the rules, then break them.

Includes examples and discussions from a range of international films.

Reviews
"Gustavo Mercado's beautiful book reveals the inner workings of the basic shots that create the cinematic experience. He reveals how visuals communicate to an audience. If you're a novice filmmaker or a seasoned professional, this book will broaden your visual horizons."

Bruce Block, film producer, author of The Visual Story, and visual consultant whose credits include The Holiday, Something's Gotta Give, Stuart Little, and Pretty in Pink
"Mercado's book is a great resource for aspiring cinematographers.Using a brilliant selection of images, both classic and contemporary, he eloquently analyzes the conception and execution of a shot. Most important, he manages to explain how to achieve an aesthetically beautiful image, while giving equal weight to the powerful role of cinematography in portraying the characters and telling the story."